Automatic photographic plate exposing and developing apparatus



y 1950 R. w. DART 2,506,632

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1946 v 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 nnentor B0002??? VDETT X 51$..2 Ed

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AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed NOV. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 Bnventor Gttorneg May 9, 1950 R. w. DART AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 ROUGE]? W 0W u 15 8g mm (Ittorneg y 550 R. w. DART 2 5Q6fi32 AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELGPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 2 ,292 jaw 790 222 94 251 m. U 22a v 252 we was 252 I I Ennentor RODGER W 11537 (Ittorneg y 9 1950 R. w. DART 2,506,632

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. '7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 7 I. Zinventor fiOuE/R WW7 F 1 2 F m AMA attorney y 1950 R. w. DART AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed NOV. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 (Ittorneg May 9, 1950 R. w. DART 2,506,632

AUTOMATIC FHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 422 zso lnmentor ROUGE/T h T DART Fm A ,6: A10 m4 Qtkorncg May 9, 1950 R. w. DART 2,506,532

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 (Ittorncg May 9, 1950 R. w. DART 2,506,632

' AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Filed NOV. 7, 1946 ll Sheets-Sheet 11 Ima LLilL LLLLJ E0065 [4 DHRT f um 215M #4,

Ctttomcu Patented May 9, 1950 AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE EX- POSING AND DEVELOPING APPARATUS Rodger W. Dart, Essondale, British Columbia, Canada, assignor to International Mutoscope orporation, Long Island City, N. Y., a corporation Application November 7, 1946, Serial No. 708,251

15 Glaims.

This invention relates to photographic machines or apparatus, and more particularly to automatic apparatus of the type by which photographs may be taken and developed, and finished positives delivered within a short time.

Apparatus of this type is disclosed in a copending application of Sidney Jenkins and myself, Serial No. 659,520, filed March 1946, now Patent No. 2,473,280, issued June 14, 1949. This apparatus comprises a tray which moves in a rotary path, and in its travel picks up a photographic plate from a magazine and conveys it, first past a station at which the plate is exposed, and then progressively past stations at which different liquids for the development and r e-development of the plate, are discharged into the tray. The tray, which is intermittently tilted for the discharge therefrom of the several waste liquids and also for the ejection therefrom of the finished photographic plate, is, during an operating cycle of the apparatus, moved continuously in its circular path, and the photographic plate in the tray is flash-exposed while passing through the exposure station.

It is the primary aim and object of the present invention to adapt the above apparatus to time exposure of a photographic plate, while using the tray for conveying the photographic plate to the several stations in the apparatus, including the exposure station, without having to interrupt the continuous movement of the tray for the exposure of the plate.

It is another object of the present invention to adapt the apparatus for a single-cycle operation or for an uninterrupted repeat-cycle operation.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

I Fig. l is a front elevation of photographic apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly in section, of the apparatus;

3 is a fragmentary plan view or" the apparatus after the removal of certain parts therefrom for better illustration of certain structure which is normally hidden thereby;

Fig. l is a section taken substantially on the line 1 l of Fig. 2, the section being developed as though lying in a plane for better diagrammatic illustration of various successive steps in the operation of the apparatus;

Fig. 5 illustrates that portion of a main cam which controls the various operating steps of the apparatus as depicted in Fig. 5;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-section through the apparatus, taken substantially on the line 6-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line 'i-l of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 sectionally illustrates a plate carrier and associated parts by which a photographic plate is ejected from the carrier;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of a plate carrier;

Fig. 1]. is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view, partly in elevation, of the apparatus, the section being taken substantially on the line I ll l of Fig. 2;

Fig. 12 is an elevational view of certain structure of the apparatus as viewed in the direction of the arrow l2 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation of certain detail structure of the apparatus, as viewed in the direction of the arrow l3 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a section taken on the line 4-l4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary crosssection through part of the apparatus, the section being taken substantially on the line l5i5 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive, show a wiring diagram for the apparatus under different control condi tions in an operating cycle of the apparatus;

Fig. 21 is a front elevational view of another apparatus embodying the present invention in a modified manner;

Fig. 22 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a section taken substantially on the line 23-23 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 24 is a section taken substantially on the line 24-24 of Fig. 22, the section being developed as though lying in a plane for better diagrammatic illustration of various successive steps in the operation of the apparatus;

Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 illustrate the same portion in different positions of a main cam which controls the various operating steps of the apparatus as depicted in Fig. 24;

Fig. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially on the line 2l--2l' of Fig. 22;

Fig. 28 is a section similar to Fig. 27, showing a certain part in a different operative position;

Fig. 29 is a section taken on the line 29-22 of Fig. 27

Fig. 29a is an enlarged section taken on the line 28a29a of Fig. 21;

Fig. 30 is an elevational view, partly in section, of one or" a number of certain instrumentalities used in the modified apparatus;

Fig. 31 is a wiring diagram illustrating the electrical control over the operation of the modified apparatus;

Fig. 32 shows a stepper element of the .elec trical control in one of its operative positions;

Fig. 33 shows a contact disc of the electrical control in one of its operativepositions;

Fig. 34 shows the stepperelement of the electrical control in another Operative position;

Fig. 35 shows the contact disc of the electrical control in another operative position;

Fig. 36 shows the stepper element of the electrical control in a further operative position; and

Fig. 37 shows the contact disc of the electrical control in a further operative'position.

As usual in photographic apparatus of this general type, the present apparatus performs the following operations during one operating cycle thereof. A photographic plate, which is of a type "suitable for the well-known development and redevelopment process, is transferred from asupply magazine to a camera where the exposure takes place, and the exposed plate is then conveyed past successivestations at which it is subjected to the action of the usual chemical solutions and water for its development andre-development. In the course of its development and re-development, the plate is washed with water after the application of each chemical solution, and is also exposed. to light for'its second exposure. The photographic plate is then ejected from the apparatus as a finished positive, and delivered as such to the'subject whose picture-was taken. To thisend,

the present apparatus comprises a number of mechanisms which are mounted on a preferably circular base plate-20 (Figs. 2 and 3). The base plate 213 is mounted in any suitable manner, as by mounting plates 23, in a cabinet 21 (shown in part in Figs. 1 and 2) which is customarily provided for photographic apparatus of this type. The variousmechanismsare: a plate supplying and transferring mechanism .A (Figs. 2 and 4'); exposure mechanism. B (Figs. .1, 2 and 4); plate developing and re-developing mechanism C (Figs. 2 and 6) cycle control mechanism D (Figs..2. and I1); and electrical control mechanism E (Figs. 16 to 20).

1 Plate supplying and transferring mechanism A As shown in Figs.,2 and 3, the baseplate Ed is apertured at 22 to leave a relatively wide, arouate web 2&- and a relatively narrow, arcuate web 2 5 on said plate. The wider web 24 is provided with an arouate' slot 28 which constitutesthe open width or" an arcuate, track 39 for a Photo.-

graphic plate 32. In order to supporta D tographic plate .32 in the track '39, the arcuate slot 28 has projecting within the confines thereof opposite gibs 35 which are suitably'secured to the bottom side of the base plate 29 in any suitable manner as by welding, for instance. It appears from Fig. 3 that'the gibs determinate some distance away from one end of; the arcuate slot f 28 in the base plate 22, so as to leave a discharge gate 36 in the track through which, a photographic plate '32'may descend after leaving the plate-supportinggibs 35 on'movement inthe track trally of the base plate 20.

4 in counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3. The plate track 30, including the plate discharge gate 36, is covered by a plate 38 (Figs. 2 and 4) which is suitably secured to the base plate 20, and not only serves as a cover for the track, but also as a mounting plate for certain devices of the apparatus. Thus, a plate-supply magazine 49 is removably mounted at 42 on the cover plate 38 (Figs. 2, 4 and 15). The magazin 4!] may be of any suitable construction, and contains a supply of stacked photographic plates 32. An eX- hausted magazine may be removed and refilled, or a full magazine may be replaced therefor. The bottom of the magazine 4!! is open and in com- 1 munication, through an opening at in the cover plate 38, with thetrack 30 into which the stacked plates 32 may descend by gravity one by one. For all practical purposes, the opening 44 in the cover plate 38 may be considered a part of the magazine All, so that only the lowermost plate 32' of the stack in the magazine iii rests in the track 353 and may be transferred therein in the direction of the arrow 48 in Fig. 4, while the remaining plates of the stack are all within the confines of the magazine and held therein against movement with the lowermost plate 32' as the .same is being advanced in the track 30. Hence, only one plate 32 may descend at one time into the track 39 for transfer therein to the several operating stations of the'apparatus.

. The discharged plate 32 in the track 39 is advanced therein to and beyond-an exposure station X (Figs. 2, '3 and 4) at which a camera 50 is mounted on the cover plate 38 as at52. The

camera 551 comprises the usual lens assembly 54 and a camera housing 5.6 which is at the bottom in open communication with an opening 58 in the cover plate 38 for the exposure of the advanced photographic plate 32 at the exposure station,.X (Fig. 4

For conveying the discharged photographic plate 32 past the several operating stations in the apparatus during an operating cycle of the latter, recourse is had to either one of aplurality of plate carriers 66 (Figs. 2 and 4), which are designed to perform the dual function of advancing the discharged photographic plate 32' in the track 38 to and beyond the exposure station and then carrying said plate past the remaining stations in the apparatus after the same leaves the track 39 through the discharge gate 36 thereof. In the present instance, there are provided two of these plate carriers in at the opposite ends, respectively, of a bar 62 (Figsxfi, '7 and 12) which is suitably mounted midway of its length on a central boss 64 of a turntable 66, journalled, in a manner to be described, for rotation about an axis at cen- Hence, the plate carriers 6% travel in a circular path concentric with the plate track 30. Since the carriers 65] are identically mounted on the bar 62, the mounting of only one carrier will be described in detail. Each carrier Etis ,tiltably mounted on the bar 62 (Figs, Band '7.) throughintermediation of;a sleeve 53, the latter having a flattened portion 19 to which the carrier is suitably secured, as. by weld.-

ing, for instance. Thecarrier 5D is held against axial movement on the bar 52, and in operative alignment with the plate track 39, by means of a collar F2 on the adjacent outer end of the bar 52 and a torsion spring 14 on the inner end of the sleeve The torsion spring 74 is anchored with one end in the bar 52 and with its other end in the sleeve 68, and is prewound so as to urge the carrier in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 4, 7 and 12. Sleeve 68 may be provided with a peripheral slot 15 (Fig. 8) to cooperate with a stud screw 18 in the bar 62 in preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the carrier, by the action of the torsion spring 14, beyond the inclined disposition 68a shown in Fig. 4. For reasons which will become obvious hereinafter, however, the peripheral slot 16 in the sleeve 68 and the stud screw 78 in the bar 62 may be dispensed with.

The carrier bar 62 makes one complete revolution during a complete operating cycle of the apparatus. For the sake of brevity, the expression operating cycle as used hereinafter means "operating cycle of the apparatus. While the carrier bar 62 passes through one revolution in an operating cycle, the carriers 6! are controlled, in their angular disposition thereon, by a main cam 85 which is in form of a cylindrical member suitably secured to the base plate 26, as by a 16 to 20, is adapted to drive the turn table 66 during an operating cycle. The motor M drives the turn table through intermediation of suitable reduction gearing, of which a driven gear 86 is carried by the shaft 95 on which the turn table is mounted (Fig.2).

In the present instance, the photographic plates 32 may be of the well-known type in which the sensitized faces ltd thereof form the bottoms of trays [62 which are formed by the plates themselves (Figs. 3, 6, 7 and 9), the plates being provided with raised borders idd which completely surround the sensitized faces Iilil thereof. A photographic plate of this general type is shown and described in the patent to W. Rabkin et al., No.

2,12,755, dated March 5, 1940. Hence, the photographic plates 32 themselves provide trays for the reception of the various liquids for their development and redevelopment after their exposure.

Since the plate carriers 6b are identical in construction, only one will be described in detail. Each carrier 59 is in form of a relatively shallow receptacle Mil (Figs. 2, 6 and 1%) having on its bottom raised longitudinal ribs M2 on which a photographic plate 32 may rest. The bottom of the receptacle 3 i6 is also provided near the leading end thereof with spaced apertures lid which serve for the discharge from the receptacle of the waste liquids flowing off a photographic plate 32 in said receptacle every time the latter is, in an operating cycle, tilted to the extent indicated by the dot-and-dash line position 5% of the carrier in Fig. l. The carrier Bil is also provided with an outwardly extending follower 1 it which is adapted to cooperate with the main cam as, the

associated torsion spring ll; (Fig. 6) urging the follower H3 into permanent engagement with the main cam til. The tilting of the carrier into various positions, some of which are shown in Fig. 4, is under the control of the main cam 83, as will be readily understood.

The carrier 59 is furthermore provided at its rim i2ii with raised, leading and trailing, platefeeding lugs I22 and [24, respectively, which are used alternately for advancing a photographic plate 32 in the track 30in a manner and for a purpose to be described presently.

The purpose of alternately using the feed lugs 22 and I24 for advancing a photographic plate in the track 39 is to accomplish an intermittent stop of the photographic plate at the exposure station in the track for a time exposure of the plate, despite continuous movement of the carrier during the time exposure. Thus, the carrier is in the level disposition 600 (Fig. i) when approaching the track 30. As soon as the leading end of the carrier is below the track til, the same is tilted into the dot-and-dash line position 60a (Fig. 4) in which the leading feed lug I22 thereof is in feeding relation with the discharged photographic plate 32' in the track. During continued movement of the carrier in the direction of the arrow 48 in Fig. 4, the leading feed lug I22 thereof will engage plate 32' and advance it in the track .to the exposure station X, at which time the carrier is tilted to its level position, i. e.. out of feeding engagement with the photographic plate. It is substantially at this point that operating cycl terminates and a new operating cycle begins. In other words, an operating cycle ends by placing a photographic plate into position for exposure, the actual exposure of the plate being the first step in the next operating cycle. The carrier may, at the end of an operating cycle.

; come to rest in the full line position 58d in Fig. 4,

for instance. On starting a new operating cycle, the carrier is tilted into the dot-and-dash line position t t e in Fig. 4, in which the trailing feed lug I2 3 thereon is in feeding relation with the plate 32 at the exposure station X, but some time will elapse before the lug i24 on the moving carrier will actually engage and feed the plate 32". It is this time lapse in an operating cycle which not only permits the time exposure of the plate 32 at the station X, but also affords the subject to be photographed a brief period during which he or she may get ready for the subsequent exposure. The trailing lug 124 of the moving carrier, when engaging the adjacent edge of the plate 32 at the exposure station X, will feed the plate in the track until the former leaves the gibs 34 and descends through the discharge gate 36 into the moving carrier, whereupon the latter is returned to the level disposition til) in Fig. 4, ready for the reception by the plate therein of the first chemical solution in the development of the plate.

During an operating cycle, the carrier will pass through one complete revolution, starting from the position 6M in Fig. 4, and during this revolution perform the following functions. The same will, after the exposure of the plate 32" at the station X, feed the plate to the end of the track 35 and then carry the plate past the development and re-development stations to be described, to an ejector staticnY (Fig. 2) where the finished photographic plate is discharged from the carrier into a chute 13f! which guides the plate to the outside of the cabinet for delivery to the subject whose picture was taken. For the discharge of the plate from the carrier, the latter is tilted into the position Biig in Fig. 4. The carrier has by then passed through approximately threefourths of its revolution, and will during the remainder thereof advance the last discharged photographic plate in the track to the exposure station X therein. The tilting of the carrier into the various positions 65a to filly in e is under the control of the portions or lobes 8%. to Stg, respectively, of the main cam at (Fig. 5)

nomes "I For the discharge .of a plate 32 from either carrier t0, thereare provided a pair of ejector pins I3! at-each end of a rod H33 (Figs. 55, 7 and 9) which extends parallel to the carrier car 52 anolis carried in any suitable manner by the boss 84 of the t in table (it. Each pair of ejector pin-s lat will extend through the drain apertures Ii-l 10f. .itsrespective carrier (35! and eject a plate 32 therefrom (Fig. 9) on tilting the carrier into the position-50g shown in Figs. 4 and 9.

Exposure mechanism B The exposure mechanism comprises the previously mentioned camera 50 at the exposure station X of the apparatus. Suitable shutter mechanism (not shown) is provided which is automatically operated in any suitable manner, preferably a few seconds after the start of an operating cycle so as to enable the subject to get ready for the exposure. As usual in apparatus of this type, the subject is seated in the cabinet in front of the camera, and a reflector unit (not shown) is provided on top' of the camera in order 'to bring the subject into optical alignment with the camera lens. A reflector unit of this type which may be used in the present apparatus, is shown and described in the previously-mentioned co-pending application of Sidney Jenkins and myself.

Plate developing. and re-deoeloping mechanism 0 Referring to Figs. 2 and the fixed disk 85 is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced passages I4!) which are in communication, through conduits I42, with suitable supplies of the chemical solutions and water, respectively, which are used in the development and redevelopment of an exposed photographic plate 32. The turn table 66 has a discharge passage I44 for each of the opposite plate carriers 60. More particularly, the passages I40 and I44 extend in part through steel rings I46 and I48,

respectively, which are inserted in the disk 84 and the turn table 66, respectively, and the engaging surfaces I50 of which are ground so as to serve as valve surfaces with which to intercept com munication between any of the passages I48 and either passage I44 when not in axial alignment with each other. the turn table 66, which is associated with the plate carrier 60d that starts the next operating cycle (Fig. 4), will, on travel of said carrier in said next cycle through the stations P to W in the apparatus (Fig[ 2), align with the several passages I43 in the disk 84 which dispense the various chemical solutions and water for the development and re-development of .a plate as follows. Having reference to Fig. 2, the passage 146a dispenses the first developer, passage I405 dispenses water, passage I400 dispenses bleaching solution, passage [40d dispenses water, passage I4Ee dispenses clearing solution, passage I431 dispenses water, passage I My dispenses the second developer, and passage I4Ilh .dispenses water. Each time a chemical solution or water is dis charged onto a plate 32 in the carrier, the latter is in the level dispositionshown in Figs. 6 and 7, so that the plate therein will retain the discharged liquid in its owntray-like depression I02 for some time until the carrier is tilted, prior to the application of the next liquid, for the drainage of the waste liquid therefrom. It will be noticed from the, described order in which the various liquids are applied, that each applica- The discharge passage I M in with a suitable window tionof a; chemical solution is followed by the application of water for removing all traces of the former and preparing the plate for the application of the next chemical solution. The main cam 80 is so designed, i. e., has the requisite number of properly coordinated cam lobes 351) (Fig. 4), that it tilts the carrier into the liquid drainage position b (Fig. 4) after each application to the plate in the carrier of a liquid, be it a chemical solution or water. The light in the room or hall in which the apparatus is located, is preferably utilized for the second exposure of the plate. To this end, the cabinet 2! is provided ISI (Figs. 1 and 2) through which light passes to the proper place in the apparatus where the second exposure of the plate takes place. The window I6! is preferably located above the base plate 20 in such a manner that light entering therethrough will re-expose an exposed plate 32 while the same is being carried past the stations S to W (Fig. 2), but will be kept from a plate in the track 39 or any plate between the latter and the bleaching station R (Fig. 2) by the wide web 24 of the base plate 29 so as to prevent fogging of a plate before and while it is subjected to the bleaching solution at the station R. Instead of resorting to outside light for the second exposure of a plate, recourse may be had to electric lighting means, such as a light bulb (not shown), within the cabinet 2 I, the light bulb being, of course, so placed therein that the Wide web 24 of the base plate 29 acts as a satisfactory shield which protects a plate in the track 33 and any plate between the latter and the bleaching station R from light emanating from the light bulb.

Each discharge passage I44 in the turn table 66 is formed in part by a, valve I62 which is operable to open and close said passage I44. Since the valves I62 are identical, only one will be described. Each valve I62 comprises a body I64 having a, longitudinal passage I66 terminating in a lateral passage I68 which, in the open position of the valve, aligns with that part of the passage I44 which is provided in the turn table 66. In order to operate valve I62 into open and closed position, the same is journaled at Ill! in the turn table 66 (Fig. 6), and is held against axial movement therein by a collar I12. Part of the valve body IE4 i in form of a nozzle I14 which extends with its discharge end above, and within the confines of, the adjacent carrier 69, and into such proximity to a plate 32 therein as to discharge liquid onto the latter without, however,

obstructing the previous gravity descent of said plate (Fig. 2) from the track 30 through the discharge passage 36 thereof and into the carrier. The valve body I64is also provided with a laterally extending arm llt having a projecting finger I18, adapted to cooperate with structure to be described for turning the valve into closed position. The valve body IE4 is further provided with a lateral lug I11 which is adapted to cooperate with structure to be described for turning the valve into open position.

Cycle control mechanism D As previously stated, a photographic plate. 32 is, at the beginning of an operating cycle, in the position 32" (Fig. 4) at the exposure station X, and the particular carrier which is to carr this plate through the remaining stations in the apparatus, is at the beginning of the cycle in the full-line position 60d in Fig. 4. This leaves the opposite carrier in the home position 6th in Fig.

2. Since both carriers 60 pass, during an operating cycle, through one revolution from their re spective home positions, and since, in a selected single cycle performance of the apparatus, only the carrier 6011 (Fig. 4) may perform its designated functions during the cycle, the other carrier and its associated valve I62 are rendered inoperative. To this end, there is provided a tilter cam I89 (Figs. 11 and 12) which is vertically slidable on a bracket I82 on top of the fixed disk 84. In the present instance, the shank IM of the cam I89 is provided with a longitudinal slot I89 for the reception of screws I85 which are threaded into the bracket I82. The tilter cam I83 is normally urged by a spring I90 into the inoperative, dot-and-dash line position shown in Figs. 11 and 12, and is depressed against the action of the spring I99 by an arm I92, pivotally mounted at I94 on the bracket I82. The arm E92 has a lateral extension I96 which is operatively connected through a link 202 with the core I99 of a solenoid 200, suitably mounted at 294 on the bracket I82. On energization of the solenoid 299, the core I98 thereof is retracted into the full-line position shown in Fig. 11, whereby the arm 92 depresses the tilter cam I80 from the dot-and-dash line position into the operative, full-line position shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

The depression of the tilter cam its takes place at a period in the operating cycle when the carrier and associated valve to be rendered inoperative reach in their travel the position shown in Fig. 12, i. e., shortly before-the carrier reaches the magazine E8. At this position, the carrier is already tilted into the manual plate-feeding disposition shown in dot-ancl-dash lines in Fig. 12, and the associated valve 562 is in open position as also shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 12. However, before the carrier reaches and actually feeds the last discharged plate 32' in the track 36, the tilter cam I83 descends and engages the finger H8 on the valve l62 and turns the latter from its open position into the closed, full-line position shown in Fig. 12. When the valve N52 is thus turned into closed position, an extension 2 i ll on the arm lie of the valve engages an inwardly projecting finger 2I2 on the associated carrier 69 and turns the latter into the level, full-line disposition shown in Fig. 12. The valve I62 encounters sufficient frictional resistance in its journal bearing ill) in the turn table 66 to counteract any tendencies of the yieldingly urged carrier to move it toward open position, and will remain in its closed position and hold the carrier in the depressed, level position for clearance of the magazine and track as it passes the same on its continued travel. The valve 552 and associated carrier to remain in their closed and level positions, respectively, until they pass, in the next cycle, a valve-return cam 2M in front of, and in close proximity to, the tilter cam 3i (Figs. .2, ll, 13 and 14). This cam 2M is mounted at 2I5 on the fixed disk 34, and is provided with a notch 2 I? and a depending lug 2H3. When either valve I62 is in its open position, it will clear the cam 2l l when passing the same (Fig. 13). However, when either of the valves I62 is in its closed position (see dot-and-dash line position in Fig. 14) it will, when passing the cam 2M. be turned thereby into the open, full-line position shown in Fig. it. Thus, while the cam 2M, will, in any operating cycle, open any closed valve Hi2 and permit the return of the associated carrier 60 to the control of the main cam 80, the tilter cam I89 will, during any selected single-cycle operation of the apparatus, render the then idle carrier and its associated valve 352 inoperative.

However, if a repeat cycle of operation of the apparatus is selected, in a manner described hereinafter, the normal descent of the tilter cam 489 is prevented during the first of the two successive operating cycles, resulting in the normal functioning of both carriers, even though one carrier follows the other, and the cycle of one carrier overlaps the cycle of the other. In this connection, provisions (hereinafter described) are made to prevent the stoppage of the apparatus at the end of the first operating cycle, and to continue the operation of the apparatus to the end of the succeeding cycle. The single or repeat cycle operation of the apparatus under the control of the user of the and depends on the deposition of a coin or coins in the apparatus prior or subsequent to the termination of an operating cycle.

Electrical control mechanism E Referring to Figs. 16 to 29, there is shown a wirir g diagram oi the present apparatus in the dinerent conditions during an operating cycle of the latter. Current for operating the motor M, which turns the turn table 65, is derived from any suitable power line 220 of volt A. C., for instance. A starting circuit for the motor M comprises a lead 222, a normally closed, conventional snap switch 22 and a lead 226. The snap switch 22a is of the type which is normally closed except when its operating arm 228 is depressed as shown in Fig. 19. Switch 22% is under the control of a stepper 23 5 with which are associated a solenoid winding 232 and an escapement member 23 1 for controlling the movement of the stepper into several operating positions. The stepper 236 has a rearward extension 236 which acts as a movable core in the solenoid winding 232, and has also two operating fingers 238 and 249 which are provided with cam projections 242 and 26 2, respectively. The operating finger 238 of the stepper 239 is also provided with a plurality, in the present instance three, tooth-like depressions 245 with which the escapement member 234 cooperates in a manner to be described. The stepper 238 is normally urged by a spring 248 in a direction opposite to the direction of pull of the energized solenoid winding 232. The escapement member 234% is pivoted and cooperates with any one of the teeth 246 in the stepper normally to prevent movement of the latter under the pull of the spring 2%. Movement of the stepper 23%) under the pull of the spring 2 18 is permitted by the escapement member 23 for a distance of one tooth 2:36 in response to each actuation or rocking motion of the escapement member by means of a solenoid 25%, the core 252 of which is operatively connected with said escapement member. The circuit for the stepper solenoid winding 232 comprises a lead 254, a normally open coin switch 255 and leads 258. In the home position of the apparatus, the stepper 239 assumes the position shown in Fig. 19, in which switch 224 is opened by the cam projection 244 on said stepper, and the described starting circuit for the motor M is consequently open. On deposition of a coin C (Fig. 16) in the apparatus, the same temporarily bears against and closes the coin switch 256, closing thereby the circuit of the stepper solenoid winding 232. This results in retraction of the stepper 239 from the most advanced position shown in Fig. 19 into the most retracted position shown in Fig. 16, in which the snap switch 22 is no longer held open by the cam projection 26 and is, instead, in its normally closed position, closingthereby the starting cir cuit for the-motor M and causing the latter to? operate. Since the described starting circuit "of the motor M is interrupted prior to the termination of the operating cycle, a holding circuit for the motor M is provided which, after the start of an operating cycle, is closed and remains closed until the end of the cycle. This holding circuit comprises the lead 222, a lead 2%, a normally closed switch 252, a lead 254', and lead 225. The. switch 262 is under the control of a cam disk 2% which has two diametrically opposite cam lobes 268 and assumes, in the home position of the apparatus, the disposition shown in Fig. 16 in which one of the cam lobes 268 holds switch 282 open. The disk 26% is turned in any suitable manher in synchronism with the turn table 65 so that, soon. after the start of an. operating cycle, the switch 252 is permitted to close, resulting in closing of the described holding circuit for the motor M. It may be stated. here that the starting circuit for the motor M is still closed when the other cam lobe 9&8 momentarily opens switch 2E2 in the holding circuit at the half-way marl; in an operating cycle, but this starting circuit will be opened prior to the return of the cam disk 2% into home position after one complete revolution thereof, when the same cam lobe 2% again opens the switch 262 and holds the same open until after the start of the next operating cycle. Hence, while the start of the motor operation is under thecontrol of the coin switch 255, the termination of the motoroperatiorr in an operating cycle is under the control of-'the'cam disk 266 which controls the'hold'ing circuit'for the motor.

The circu'it'iorthe tilter cam solenoid (Fig. 11). may be traced in the wiring diagram, and comprises a lead 2%, a conventional snap switch 212', a lead'2l4, a normally open switch 2% and a lead 218 in which the winding of the solenoid 209 is interposed. Switch 2T2 is normally open unless its operating arm28il' is depressed in the manner shownfin Fig. 17. Switch 276 may be closed by either one 01f two diametrically opposite cam lobes 282 on a disk 28! which turns also in any suitable manner in synchronism with the 'turn table 66. The switches 272 and 2% are seriesconnected in the described solenoid circuit, and the latter is,'soon after thestart of'an operating cyclejconditioned forclosure by'c'losing switch 21 2. 'SwitchQ'EZ' is closed by the cam projection 242' on the stepper 234I'after a shift of'the latter ihtothe intermediate position shown in Fig. 17 bythe pull'of'the spring248 and under the control of'the escapeinent' member 234. escapem'ent solenoid 255' is in a circuit which comprises leads zen and'2'92 in one of which a'normally open switch Zil i is interposed. Switch 2594 is under the control of a disk Z96 which is also turned in any suitable manner in synchronism with the turn table' 65 and has two diametrically opposite cam lobes 298, either one of which will close switch 29 when in operative engagement therewith. One

of these cam lobes 298'wi1l, soon after the start of an operating cycle, close switch 2%, thereby causing energization of the escapement solenoid 25B and consequent operation or the escapement member 234 and a spring-shift of the stepper 23%] from the most retracted position shown in. Fig. 16 into'the intermediate position. shown in Fig. 17, in which switch 272 in the circuit of the solenoid ZBllis closed by the cam projection'242 on the stepper. Closure of switch '272 soon after the start of an operating cycle will, however, not resuit in closure of the circuit of the solenoidilifl,

open, resulting sincethe: other-switch 2h}: therein; is, atithis-stage:

irrthe operating-cycle, stillropen. The ciitcuit' Qfi' the-solenoidz'mfiz willbeaclosed oniywheii theidle carrier E510, in. the presentoperating. cycle reaches. the: dot-and-dash line position adjacent. the magazine l lt, as-shown. in Fig. '12,,at. which. time: the cam. lobe 2-82. enitheudisk, 28- closes; switch 2165, thereby finally closing theici-rcuit of the solee mid. 2651,, asindicated in Fig..18; Closureof this. solenoid; circuit-results thedepression of. the tilter: cam ids-in; the: previously described: maimer, as well as. in :olosureqot the passing valve 52 and depression of the associated idle carrier fill into level. position for and beyond the remainder of thepresentoperatizng cycle; Scone-liter the tilter cam. see hasbeen depressed, the circuit of, the escapenient solenoid: 2567-is again closedby virtue of the-clesure oi'"the-switch,2&4 by the next. cam; lobe 2 93 of the disk 2%, shown in Fig. 19. The stepper 2.39, is, ineconse uence etrtheclosure oi the escapement solenoid circuit, permitted to spring-advancetoits most advanced position in which. switch 2.12 isno longer under the control of the camp iection 242.011 the stepper, and is in; opening of. the circuit of the tilter cam'solenoid 2%. In the most advanced positionel the stepper-230 (Fig. 19),.Switch. 224 in the starting circuit orthe motor M. is opened. by the cam projection 244 on the stepper, with the result that this startingcircuit is opened. However, the rnotor M will continue toO-perate until the end of the cycle, since the previously described holding circuit for the. motor remains closed until the end of the operating cycle.

The present apparatus may-be conditioned during anzoperatingcycle thereof for a repeat cycle. To this end, the user of the apparatus may, at any time between the conditioning of the tilter cam solenoid circuit (Fig. 17) and the actual closing of this circuit (Fig. 18) insert another coin C in the machine (Fig. 20) and thereby effect retraction of the: stopper 233 from the intermediate position shown :in Fig. 1'? .into the most retracted-position shown in Fig. 20, resulting in opening of the switch 212. Hence, when at the normal closure period of the tilter cam solenoid circuit in an-operating cycle, switch 215 is closed (Fig. 18) the series-connected switch 272 is open, with the result that the tilter cam solenoid circuit remains open. and the tiltercam its does not performits usual function. In that case, the hitherto idle carrier Ell in the present operating cycle will, in its travel, pick up aphotographic plate at the magazine and convey it through-a normal operating cycle, starting from the exposure stationX. By the same token, the associated valve it? will remain open: and permit the dischargeof the various chemical solutions and water onto the photographic plate to be developed and re-developed duringthe repeat cycle of the apparatus.

While the hereinbefore described apparatus comprisestwo plate carriers. 60, Ialso contemplate the use ofIa greater number or these carriers in an apparatus of this type in order to obtain a greater number of photographs in a given time. Thus, the apparatus shown in Figs 2l and 22 may, for instance, be-provided with four plate carriers 30; which are tiltably mounted on the ends of equiangularly spaced bars 302, carriedby a hub 3M on a vertical shaft 3% (see also Fig. '23).

Shaft 396 may be iournalled in a bearing bracket 39% (Fig. 22) which is suitably suspended from a mounting bracket 3! on top of'the base plate 312 of the apparatus. The instant apparatus shown in Figs. 21 and 22, which is in many respects like the previously described apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2, except as hereinafter pointed out, may be mounted by plates 3E4 in a cabinet (not shown) which may to all intents and purposes be like the cabinet 2! previously described and shown in part in Figs. 1 and 2, except that the window 16! may be dispensed with since the present apparatus relies for the second exposure of a photographic plate on artificial light within the cabinet rather than on outside light.

The present apparatus is provided with a photographic plate-supply magazine 32% and a suitable camera 322, both of which are suitably mounted on the base plate 3l2. The apparatus is also provided with an arcuate track 324 (Figs. 22 and 24), which may be like the track 33 in the previously described apparatus and serves to guide photographic plates 326, as they are discharged from the magazine, to and beyond the camera 322. The end of the track 324 adjacent the camera 322 is provided with a discharge gate 328 through which a plate 326 descends onto a carrier 330 when fed by the latter off the track 324. The base plate 3i 2 apertured at 333 (Fig. 24) to permit the gravity descent of the stacked plates 326 from the magazine 323 into the track 324, and is further apertured at 332 beneath the camera 322 (Fig. 24) to expose a plate 326 beneath the camera to the lens assembly 334 thereof (Fig. 22).

The carriers 3!!!! may to all intents and purposes be like those of the previously described apparatus, except that their followers 333 extend inwardly of the apparatus and cooperate with a control cam 338 which is cylindrical as shown in Figs. 21 and 23, and arranged concentrically of the shaft 393. The control cam 338 comprises two complementary sections 340 and 342 (Fig. 23) of which the former is suitably mounted on the base plate 3| 2 at the bottom thereof, while the other section 342 is guided for vertical movement in a manner to be described presently. Mounted at 344 on top of the base plate M2 is a bracket 346 (Figs. 21. and 22), havin a lateral extension 348 on which a shank 35s of the movable cam section 342 is slidable. More particularly, the shank 352 of the cam section 342 extends through a slot 352 in the base plate 3 I 2 and is held against the lateral bracket extension 343 by a cover plate 354 which is secured to, and held properly spaced from, the bracket extension 343 by screws 356 (see also Fig. 29a) which extend through a longitudinal slot 353 in the shank 35E of the cam section 342 and guide the latter for vertical movement. The cam section 342 is urged into the uppermost or normal position shown in Figs. 21 and 25 by means of a suitable spring or springs (not shown), and is moved into the lower or depressed position shown in Fig. 26 by means of a solenoid 333 (Fig. 21) which acts on the shank 350 of cam section 3 52 through intermediation of solenoid core 332, a link 334 and a bell crank lever 366, the latter being pivotally mounted at 368 on the bracket 343 and having its arm 313 in operative alignment with the shank 359. A spring 3l'2 may be provided to urge the solenoid core 332 and the parts connected therewith into inoperative position in which the cam section 342 is admitted to its normal position (Figs. 1 and 25).

The ultimate purpose of the movable cam section 342 is to control the angular disposition of any carrier 32!] in the vicinity of the magazine 323 and camera 322 so as to render the apparatus adaptable for a single operating cycle or for a number of different repeat cycles. The specific function of the movable cam section 342 is to cause any plate carrier 300 to feed or bypass a photographic plate 326 which has been discharged from the magazine 320 into the track 324, and to resume the feed of, or bypass, a plate 326 in the track underneath the camera 322. Thus, when the cam section 332 is in its normal position (Fig. 25) any plate carrier Sill], approaching the magazine 320 in its normal travel in the direction of the arrow 376 in Fig. 24, is permitted, by the cam descent 373 in the fixed cam section 340 and by the cam section 342, to rock into the plate-feeding position 333a (Fig. 24) and remain in this position for the feed of a plate 326 in the track from the magazine 322 to the camera 322. The same carrier 333 is, during its continued movement in the direction of the arrow 316 and while the cam section 342 remains in its normal position, depressed by the cam rise 319 into the level disposition 323b, thereby leaving a plate 326 in the track 324 underneath the camera 322.

The cam section 342 may be forced into its de pressed position (Fig. 26) immediately after any plate carrier 323 is admitted to the plate-feeding position 363a (Fig. 24) and shortly before the same actually engages the adjacent discharged plate 323 in the track 324, in order to return the carrier into the level disposition 3300 and cause the same to bypass said plate. Also, when the cam section 342 is in its depressed position (Fig. 26), its cam rise 3l9 and dwell 380 will force any passing carrier 333 into the plate-feeding disposition 333d (Fig. 24). The same carrier will, when clearing the cam section 342 in its continued travel, be returned to the level disposition Slide (Fig. 2d) and to the control of the fixed cam section 340.

Threaded in, or otherwise secured to, the base plate 3 I 2 are a plurality of angularly spaced pipes or conduits 382 which communicate through hose connections 384 with suitable supplies shown) of the chemical solutions and water, re-- spectively, which are commonly used in the development and re-development of a plate 326. The various conduits 382 are so circularly arranged on the base plate 3|2 that they may discharge directly onto plates on the carriers 335 as they pass these conduits. Interposed in each hose connection 384 is a control valve (Fig. 30), the body 388 of which has transverse, intersecting passages 393 and 332, the former serving as a fluid passage and the latter receiving the movable core 384 of a solenoid 396. The core 394 acts as a valve which is suitably spring-urged into the full line position in Fig. 30 normally to intercept communication through the passage 39!], and which provides communication therethrough when retracted into the dot-and-dash line position on energization of the solenoid 396. The discharge conduits 382a, 382b, 382e, 382e, 382 and 382g (Fig. 22) dispense first developer, water, bleaching solution, water, clearing solution, second developer and water, respectively, and these liquids are applied to a plate to be treated in the order in which they were mentioned.

As stated, the discharge of the several liquids through their respective conduits 382a to 332g is under the control of the associated solenoid-operated valves 386. The solenoid 333 of each of these valves is in a separate circuit which includes a snap switch 400. The switches 433 for the several solenoids 396 are mounted on individual brackets 402 on top of the base plate 312 (not ascents:

in the manner showniin: Figs. 21 and 22.. More.

particularly; the. switches deed: tot-mtg are assoa ciated with the. discharge: conduits 3.82%103829';

respectively, in the relation. shown in Fig. 22.

Associatedand' movablewith. each carrier aswitchactuator 4355 which, on passing either one of the switches illilaitodllilg, closes the. same,

resulting in the discharge'of a. liquid" from the:

associated conduit 38.! onto a platein the car-l rier which. in its travel passes. then below" said conduit.

Each switch actuator M341 is, in the present instance, in the form of. azscrew head (Figs. 21', 22,127 and 28) in oneend of a lever aflfiiwhich.

iszpivotally carried at atton a block l it, depend? ing from a control disk l 52 which. is mounted on the vertical shaft 3% above: the base plate. 1H2

for rotation with the carriers 3%.- Each lever 486' is held inv frictional engagement: with its block llfi. by means of a compression spring s14: (Fig. 29) which surrounds the mounting pivot 408 and is interposed between the block 41d and ahead screw did at the inner end of the pivot M18. Each'lever 'fifi is; therefore, frictionally-ra, tained'in any angular position into which'it may be turned. When the lever Mil. assumes the full-L line 'oroperative' position shown in Fig. 27, its. screw head 4534 is in operative. alignment with the;

switches 488a to. 400g and will close the same successively When traveling with its. associated carrier 3310' in the normal direction indicated by the'arrow 429 in Fig. 22. However, when the.

lever tilt is turned into the dot-and-dash line or inoperative position ShOWn in Fig. 27, its screw" head MM- is out of operative alignment with the switches ite and will not close the same when:

passing them.

Provided on the bracket 3% is a cam lug @22- (Figs. 22', 27 and 28), the inclined surface 424 of which engages the screw'head 4040f any passing lever 4136 and rocks the latter from operative position into the inoperative position shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 27', in which the screw head 484 is out of operative alignment with the switches 490a to 4805 Each lever 406 will re-' main in its inoperative position unl'esscammed into operative position by a cam l'ug 426'. The control over the dispensation of the severalliq uids for the development and redevelopment of the photographic plates 326 should obviously'be such that these liquids are discharged onto a carrier only when the same holds a photographic plate, and will not be discharged onto any empty carrier. Appropriately, the control over the dispensationof the liquidsisexercised by the movable cam section 3 22 which has tobe depressed.

for the pickup by any carrier-of an exposed photographic plate 326 underneath the camera 322" (Fig. 24), as was previously explained. To this end, the cam lug-426 (Figs. 22, 27 and 28) is carried by the shank 350 of the movable cam section 3 32 and extends rearwardly through a slot in the bracket extension 3&8 into operative alignment with the levers 406. In being carried by the cam;

section 352, the cam lug 426 will be lowered into the operative position shown i'n-Figg28 when said.

is which is-thus returned to its operative position, will remain in thatzpositionuntil again returned to inoperative position by the fixed cam lug 422* when passing the latter.

Theshaft- 3.65; which carries the plate carriers 3m) and the control disk 412', is driven in any suitablemanner, at reduced speed, from a prime mover, such as an electric motor M indicated in the wiring. diagram in Fig; 31. The camera 322- is provided with the customary, normally closed shutter (not shown), which is opened by suitable linkage, actuated by a solenoid 432 indicated in the wiring diagram in Fig; 31. The present apparatus is also provided with a'second exposure light" in the form of an electric light blub 433' (Fig. 22), which is located in a suitable housing 435'on top of the base plate BIZ and casts its light through an aperturefl in the latter downwardly onto anypassing carrier 300. The aperture 431 is so arranged that the light from the bulb 433 will be confined to thearea belowthe base plate 3l2-within which the second exposure of a plate on'any carrier is to take place, and will not penetrate to other areas where non-exposed, or exposed but non-developed, plates may become logged thereby.

Suspended from the overhead bracket 3| ll in any suitable manner are conventional snap switches sea which are arranged in two series; One series of these switches comprisesa shutter switch 4400, a stepper index*switch 4 30b and a "motor switch 4400, while the other series comprises a magazine feed switch 44M and a camera feed switch Mlle. These switches,

I which are normally open, are adapted to be closedto be closed by any one of four actuators 450,

each of the actuators 446, M8 and 450 being in form of an arcuate bar or projection on the control' disk M2;

The electrical control forthe presentapparatus includes a rotary stepper 452 (Fig. 31) which is adapted to control another magazine feed" switch 454', another motor switch 456 and an-' other camera feed switch 258, the switches 454',

456 and $58 being also conventional snap switches. The stepperdtf is provided with opposite peripheral notches- $60. and 662. Switch 454 is permitted to assume its normally open position when the end of its blade 354a projects into the notch sec of the stepper 452 (Fig. 32), and is' closed when blade fi ia rides on the periphery 45E of the stepper. Switch 356 -is permitted to assume'its normally closed position when-its blade 456d projects into the notch 462 of the stepper, and is opened when said blade assumes the fullline position shown in Fig; 31, i. e., rides on the periphery deli of the stepper. Switch 458' is per-- mitted to assume its normally open position when its blade 458a projects into the notch 462' in the stepper 552, and is closed when said blade assumes the dot-and-dash line position shown in Fig, 31', i. e., rides on the periphery 464 of the stepper. a spring (not shown) into the position shown in dot-and-dash' lines in Fig. 31, and is indexed ashereinafter described through successive posi- The stepper 352 is normally urged by "position shown in Figs. 22 and 31.

the camera feed switch 458 conditions for later 'closure'a shutter circuit. which comprises a lead '526, the shutter solenoid 432, a lead 528. switch ratchet disk 468 is a holding pawl which is pivotally mounted at 480 and normally urged into engagement with the ratchet disk by a spring 482.

The holding pawl 418 is preferably provided with a tail 484 which, when said holding pawl is moved out of engagement with the ratchet disk at the beginning of an operating cycle of the apparatus, engages the tail 486 of the indexing pawl 410 and rocks the same also out of engagement with the ratchet disk, thus releasing the latter and the stepper 452 for spring-return into the first operative position in an operating cycle as shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 31. The pawl-carrying lever 414 is normally urged by a spring 483 in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 31, and is turned in the opposite ratchetindexing direction by means of a solenoid 490. the core 492 of which is connected with the lever 414, and the winding .94 of which is in series connection with the stepper index switch 44011 through a lead 496 (Fig. 31). The holding pawl 418 is retracted from engagement with the ratchet disk 468 by a solenoid 498, the core 500 of which is connected with the pawl, and the winding 502 of which is connected by leads 504 and 506 with any suitable power line 508 of 110 volt, A. C. current, for instance. Interposed in the lead 506 is a normally open coin switch 5| which is closed on deposition of a coin C in the apparatus so as to close the circuit through the solenoid winding 502.

As in the apparatus previously described and shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the present apparatus is in home or rest position when one of the carriers 300 comes to rest in the full-line position shown in Fig. 24. The several carriers 300 then assume the disposition shown in Figs. 23 and 31. It

may be stated in advance that a non-exposed photographic plate 326 is underneath the camera 322 at the beginning of each operating cycle of the apparatus.

An operating cycle of the apparatus is started by depositing therein a coin C which momentarily closes the switch 5i0 (Fig. 31) before passing on to a coin box not shown), whereby the circuit through the solenoid 498 is closed, resulting in retraction of the pawls 418 and 410 from the ratchet disk 468 and thereby permitting the stepper 452 to unwind from the full-line or home position into the first operative, dot-and-dash line position shown in Fig. 31. In the latter position of the stepper 452, the switches 454, 456, and 458 are closed. The motor switch 456 then closes a main circuit through the-motor M, comprising a 1ead520, switch 456, a lead 522, and a lead 524. Closure of this circuit results in operation of the motor M and consequent rotation of the carriers 300 and the control disk 4l2 from the starting Closure 440a, leads 533 and 532, switch 458 and a lead 534 .(Fig. 31). Closure of the magazine feed switch 454 conditions for later closure a circuit through the cam depresser solenoid 360, which comprises a lead 536, solenoid 368, a lead 538, switch 440d, a lead 540, switch 454 and a lead 542. The described shutter circuit will be closed when the actuator 4420, on the control disk 4l2 (Fig. 31) passes the switch 4480. and closes the latter momentarily. Some time will elapse after the start of an operating cycle until the actuator 442a closes switch 446a, permitting the person to be photographed to get ready for the exposure, which will take place when the described shutter circuit is closed. immediately at the start of the cycle, the active carrier 300' adjacent the camera 322 is tilted out of feeding relation with the plate 326 underneath the camera. into level disposition by the rise 3'59 on the movable cam section 342 in its normal position (Fig. 25). This same carrier 300 is, in the present operating cycle, adapted to pick up the plate 326 underneath the camera immediately after the same is exposed. At that time in the cycle, the actuator 456a on the control disk 4l2 (Fig. 31) has moved into closing relation with switch 440e, closing thereby the previously described circuit through the cam depresser solenoid 360 which includes the series-connected camera feed switches 458 and 448s. Closure of this circuit results in depression of the movable cam section 342 and corresponding tilting of the crrier 300 into plate-feeding relation with theexposed plate underneath the camera as shown at 386d in Fig. 24. The actuator 458a on the control disk 412 is of sufficient length to cause the cam section 342 to be held depressed until the carrier 300 has fed the exposed plate 326 off the track 324, whereupon the former drops onto the carrier for conveyance past the various liquid discharge conduits 382. While the cam section 342 is thus depressed, its cam lug 426 cams the valve switchactuating lever 406 of the carrier 300' into operative position so that the various liquids will be discharged onto the exposed plate in said carrier as the latter passes the several discharge conduits 332.

Shortly after the exposed plate 326 has dropped off the track 324 and onto the carrier 300, and when the latter is permitted to return to its level disposition 3538c (Fig. 24) by the return of the cam section 342 to its normal position (Fig. 25), the actuator 4440. on the control disk M2 moves into closing relation with the stepper index switch 44% (Fig. 33), closing thereby a circuit through the stepper index solenoid 4%, whi h comprises a lead 554, the winding 484 of solenoid 430, lead 4%, switch 44% and a lead 556 (Fig. 31). Closure of this latter circuit results in the advance by the indexing mechanism 466 of the stepper 452 counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 32 into the first indexing position there shown, in which. the switches 454 and 458 are permitted to open by the notches 460 and 462, respectively. in the stepper. while the motor switch 456 remains closed. At this point in the operating cycle the next carrier 360 reaches a position near the magazine 320 as indicated in Fig. 33. Since in the first indexing position of the stepper 452 (Fig. 32) the magazine feed switch 454 is open, the previously described circuit through the cam depresser solenoid 360. in which the switches 454 and 440d are seriesconnected, will remain closed despite closure at this time of the magazine feed switch 44611 by the'actuator 448a on the control disk 4l2 (Fig. 33). I-Ience, the cam depresser solenoid 860 will 

